* Protection Area Statistics do not reflect local fire department’s fire run information. Statistics are for the ODAFF-Forestry Services’ fifteen county Fire Protection Area in eastern Oklahoma unless otherwise noted in the Discussion section of this report.

** - These statistics are from Fire Departments that have recorded their information on the Oklahoma, Forestry Services web-based Fire Reporting System. Totals do not reflect the total acres burned or total number of fires that have occurred in Oklahoma.

Statewide Discussion:
Weekend precipitation quelled fire danger yesterday in the Protection Area; however winds overnight and a drying trend in place will likely increase initial attack today and through the week.

Fire Assistance outside of the Protection Area:
No response outside of the protection area 03/17/2014

Large Fire Activity within the Protection Area included the following fires:
None Reported

OFS Prescribed Fire Activity:
None Reported

A Red Flag Warning has been issued today for a large portion of Oklahoma west of a line from Deleware County in the northeast to Jefferson County in the south. A frontal boundary passing through Oklahoma today will push strong and gusty SSW winds across the state sustained near 20 mph gusting to near 35 mph. Winds will shift to the NW in the wake of the front with limited reprieve during the burning period. High temperatures today will be near 70°, cooler in the Panhandle. Relative humidity values in the warning area will be less than 20% today.

Special Note to Firefighters: Firefighters should be cautious when committing engines and equipment in areas where the weekend rains left soggy soils. Even though the fuels have dried and are again susceptible to impressive fire growth, soils remain wet in areas and may pose a significant safety risk if vehicles get hung-up.

Special Note to Public: Do not allow the weekend rains to permit a lapse in your wildfire vigilance. Dormant grasses and leaf litter have dried once again and may burn rapidly. Avoid outdoor burning activities.